Brendon McCullum confirms James Anderson and Stuart Broad’s inclusion in England’s Ashes squad

James Anderson and Stuart Broad, a famed fast bowling pair, will play in the Ashes next summer, as has been confirmed by England Test head coach Brendon McCullum. After playing in the previous Ashes, where England lost 0-4 in Australia, Broad and Anderson were not selected for the Test series against West Indies.

The speedsters, on the other hand, were able to reclaim their position in the team after Ben Stokes took over the captaincy and performed admirably against South Africa, India, and New Zealand. Broad and Anderson are “greats of the game,” according to McCullum, a former captain of New Zealand who also called them role models for the sport’s future stars.

“Yeah, they’ll be here. They’re both smiling. How good’s that? Those guys are phenomenal cricketers. They could finish any time they wanted and they’d still be considered greats of the game. What they’re doing is continuing to build on the legacy they’re going to leave for the next generation – the time they’re giving other people in the dressing-room is phenomenal. Stuff you don’t see behind the scenes. The time, the effort, and the confidence they’re giving the other guys is quite remarkable, really,” McCullum told reporters.

Ben Stokes’ leadership qualities are amazing: McCullum

Ever since Ben Stokes took over as the red-ball skipper, and McCullum took the coaching duties, England has lost only one Test, which was a very recent one against the Proteas. Their stint began with a 3-0 victory against reigning World Test Champions New Zealand as they went on to win a one-off Test against India before defeating South Africa by 2-1. McCullum also praised Ben Stokes, who has led England to victories in six of their previous seven Test matches.

“His own game is phenomenal, his leadership qualities are amazing and he runs through brick walls for the side, as we’ve seen with some of his bowling spells. I thought he’d be good as a leader, but I didn’t realise he’d be quite as good as he is,” McCullum added.